The Rules of Blackjack

The object of Blackjack is to make a hand that adds up to 21 or as close as you can without going over 21.

The way the game is played is the dealer deals each player 2 cards 1 face down and 1 face up. The blackjack dealer will then deal himself 2 cards both face down. Going around the table each player will have a chance to get more cards to improve their Blackjack hands.

The cards in Blackjack are valued at their face value with the exception of the Ace. The Ace can be 11 or 1 depending on which one helps you more.

The biggest advantage a Blackjack player has over the house is the ability to double down and split cards.

Doubling down means that the player wants to double their bet and take only one card. This should only be done if you are sure that one card will give you a winning hand. If the card you draw is not a winner you may not take another card.

Splitting cards is also a good way to increase your chances of getting a winning Blackjack hand. This is done when you are dealt 2 cards that are the same you may then split them and receive another card for both of the split cards and now you have 2 hands which double's your chances of winning at least one of them.

The dealer has rules that he must follow that dictate when he must take another card and when he may not. If the dealer has 16 or less he must take another card and when he has 17 or over he may not take a card.

There are many books that explain the odds of Blackjack that can be found in most book stores and I recommend them for anyone who is interested in improving their Blackjack skills.